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JP2766067B2 - Imaging device - Google Patents

Imaging device

Info

Publication number
JP2766067B2
JP2766067B2 JP2291816A JP29181690A JP2766067B2 JP 2766067 B2 JP2766067 B2 JP 2766067B2 JP 2291816 A JP2291816 A JP 2291816A JP 29181690 A JP29181690 A JP 29181690A JP 2766067 B2 JP2766067 B2 JP 2766067B2
Authority
JP
Japan
Prior art keywords
signal
circuit
exposure
level
subject
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Fee Related
Application number
JP2291816A
Other languages
Japanese (ja)
Other versions
JPH04167771A (en
Inventor
浩文 竹井
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Canon Inc
Original Assignee
Canon Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Canon Inc filed Critical Canon Inc
Priority to JP2291816A priority Critical patent/JP2766067B2/en
Publication of JPH04167771A publication Critical patent/JPH04167771A/en
Priority to US07/927,739 priority patent/US5353058A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of JP2766067B2 publication Critical patent/JP2766067B2/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04NPICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N23/00Cameras or camera modules comprising electronic image sensors; Control thereof
    • H04N23/70Circuitry for compensating brightness variation in the scene
    • H04N23/71Circuitry for evaluating the brightness variation
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04NPICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N23/00Cameras or camera modules comprising electronic image sensors; Control thereof
    • H04N23/70Circuitry for compensating brightness variation in the scene
    • H04N23/75Circuitry for compensating brightness variation in the scene by influencing optical camera components

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Multimedia (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Color Television Image Signal Generators (AREA)
  • Exposure Control For Cameras (AREA)

Description

【発明の詳細な説明】 [産業上の利用分野] 本発明は、例えばビデオ・カメラ等の撮像装置に関す
るものである。
Description: TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to an imaging device such as a video camera.

[従来の技術] 従来よりビデオ・カメラ等には露出を常に最適状態に
保つため、自動露出制御装置が設けられている。
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a video camera or the like is provided with an automatic exposure control device in order to always keep an exposure in an optimum state.

これらの自動露出制御装置では、通常、出力映像信号
レベルが一定になるように、光学系の絞り及び映像信号
レベルを制御する。絞りや映像信号レベルを制御するた
めの測光回路としては、従来、1画面内の全体について
平均化を行う回路が用いられたが、被写体と背景との輝
度差が大きい場合には、逆光であれば被写体が黒くつぶ
れ、順光であれば被写体が白くとんでしまい、共に不自
然な画像になる。
In these automatic exposure control devices, usually, the aperture of the optical system and the video signal level are controlled so that the output video signal level becomes constant. Conventionally, as a photometric circuit for controlling the aperture and the video signal level, a circuit for averaging the entirety of one screen has been used. However, if the luminance difference between the subject and the background is large, it may be a backlight. In this case, the subject is crushed black, and if the subject is in direct light, the subject will be white and both images will be unnatural.

これを防ぐために、画面の一部分、例えば被写体の位
置している確率の高い中央部分の枠内を重点的に測光す
る方式が提案された。この測光方式では、測光枠の位置
が画面内で固定されているので、以下、固定枠重点測光
方式と呼ぶ。
In order to prevent this, a method has been proposed in which light is focused on a part of the screen, for example, a frame of a central part where the probability that the subject is located is high. In this photometric method, the position of the photometric frame is fixed in the screen, and is hereinafter referred to as a fixed frame-weighted photometric method.

第7図は、一般的な民生用ビデオ・カメラの固定枠重
点測光方式による、従来の自動露出制御装置の構成ブロ
ツク図を示したものである。10は撮像光学系、12は入射
光量を規制する絞り、14は撮像素子、16はバツフアアン
プ、18はAGC(オート・ゲイン・コントロール)回路、2
0は絞り12を制御するための測光回路、22は測光回路20
の出力に従い絞り12を駆動する絞り駆動回路、24はAGC
回路18の利得を制御するための測光回路、26は測光回路
20,24の測光枠を指示する枠信号を出力する固定測光枠
信号発生回路、28は映像信号出力端子、30は複合同期信
号入力端子である。
FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a conventional automatic exposure control device using a fixed frame weighted metering method of a general consumer video camera. 10 is an image pickup optical system, 12 is an aperture for regulating the amount of incident light, 14 is an image pickup device, 16 is a buffer amplifier, 18 is an AGC (auto gain control) circuit, 2
0 is a photometric circuit for controlling the aperture 12, and 22 is a photometric circuit 20.
Aperture drive circuit that drives the aperture 12 according to the output of
Photometric circuit for controlling the gain of the circuit 18, 26 is a photometric circuit
A fixed photometric frame signal generation circuit that outputs a frame signal for instructing the photometric frames 20, 24, 28, a video signal output terminal, and 30, a composite synchronization signal input terminal.

上述の如く、測光回路20は撮像素子14の出力レベルが
一定になるように、絞り駆動回路22を介して絞り12を制
御し、また、測光回路24はAGC回路18の出力信号レベル
が一定になるように、AGC回路18の利得を制御する。
As described above, the photometry circuit 20 controls the aperture 12 via the aperture drive circuit 22 so that the output level of the image sensor 14 becomes constant, and the photometry circuit 24 controls the output signal level of the AGC circuit 18 to be constant. Thus, the gain of the AGC circuit 18 is controlled.

第8図は測光回路20の構成例を示したものである。測
光回路24も同様の構成である。31はアナログ・スイツ
チ、32,34はロー・パス・フイルタ(LPF)、36,38は抵
抗、40はバツフアアンプである。バツフアアンプ16の出
力映像信号はLPF32に直接及びアナログ・スイツチ31を
介してLPF34に印加される。アナログ・スイツチ31は固
定測光枠信号発生回路26の出力する枠信号により開閉制
御され、映像信号の測光枠内に相当する部分では閉成状
態になる。
FIG. 8 shows a configuration example of the photometry circuit 20. The photometric circuit 24 has the same configuration. 31 is an analog switch, 32 and 34 are low-pass filters (LPF), 36 and 38 are resistors, and 40 is a buffer amplifier. The output video signal of the buffer amplifier 16 is applied directly to the LPF 32 and to the LPF 34 via the analog switch 31. The analog switch 31 is controlled to open and close by a frame signal output from the fixed photometry frame signal generation circuit 26, and is closed at a portion corresponding to the video signal within the photometry frame.

つまり、LPF32は画面全体についての平均信号を出力
し、LPF32は測光枠内について平均信号を出力する。こ
れらの平均信号をそれぞれ抵抗36,38で重み付けした
後、加算し、バツフアアンプ40から出力する。LPF32の
出力の重み付けが大きければ、全面平均測光に近くな
り、その逆ならば測光枠内の重点測光に近くなる。
That is, the LPF 32 outputs an average signal for the entire screen, and the LPF 32 outputs an average signal for the inside of the photometry frame. These average signals are weighted by the resistors 36 and 38, respectively, added, and output from the buffer amplifier 40. If the weight of the output of the LPF 32 is large, it is close to the overall average photometry, and conversely, it is close to the weighted photometry within the photometry frame.

[発明が解決しようとしている課題] しかしながら、上記の従来例の固定枠重点測光方式で
は以下のような問題点があつた。例えば、屋外撮影で
は、画面上部に空が入る逆光状態がしばしば生じるが、
これに対して被写体を重点測光し、被写体の黒つぶれを
回避した場合には、重点測光枠は第9図(a)に示すよ
うなものが望ましい。しかし、第9図(b)に示すよう
に、被写体が低輝度の服(例えば、学生服やコート等)
を着た人物であるような場合、測光枠内に低輝度の服が
入つているため、平均輝度が低くなり、それに合わせて
絞りの制御が行われるので、被写体の顔が白くとんでし
まう。
[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] However, the above-described conventional fixed frame-weighted photometric method has the following problems. For example, in outdoor shooting, backlighting often occurs with the sky at the top of the screen,
On the other hand, when the subject is subjected to weighted photometry and the subject is prevented from being overexposed, the weighted photometric frame is preferably as shown in FIG. 9 (a). However, as shown in FIG. 9 (b), the subject is a low-bright clothing (for example, a school uniform or a coat).
In the case of a person wearing, since the low-brightness clothes are contained in the photometric frame, the average brightness is low, and the aperture is controlled in accordance with the low brightness, so that the face of the subject becomes white.

また、第9図(c)に示すように、人物の顔の部分だ
けが特に明るい場合(スポツト光を浴びた人物)にも、
平均輝度は低くなり、被写体の顔が白くとんでしまう。
Also, as shown in FIG. 9 (c), even when only the person's face is particularly bright (a person exposed to spot light),
The average luminance becomes low, and the face of the subject becomes white.

従つて、本発明の撮像装置は、上述の問題点に鑑みて
なされたものであり、その目的とするところは、被写体
の条件に応じた適正な露出制御を行うことができる撮像
装置を提供することにある。
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an imaging apparatus according to the present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object of the invention is to provide an imaging apparatus capable of performing appropriate exposure control according to a condition of a subject. It is in.

[課題を解決するための手段] 上述の課題を解決し、目的を達成するために、本発明
の撮像装置は、画面内の所定の位置に設定された測光領
域の信号を用いて露出制御信号を形成する測光手段と、
前記露出制御信号に基づき撮像素子に対する露出を自動
制御する露出制御手段と、前記画面内における輝度分布
を検出する輝度分布検出手段と、所定の色成分のレベル
を検出する色成分レベル検出手段と、前記輝度分布検出
手段の出力に基づいて逆光を検出した場合に前記露出制
御信号を補正することによって前記露出制御手段による
露出を増大させると共に、前記所定の色成分のレベルが
所定のレベルになるように前記露出制御信号を補正する
ことによって前記所定の色を重視した逆光補正を行なう
逆光補正手段と、を具備することを特徴としている。
[Means for Solving the Problems] In order to solve the above problems and achieve the object, an imaging apparatus according to the present invention uses an exposure control signal using a signal of a photometry area set at a predetermined position in a screen. Photometric means for forming
Exposure control means for automatically controlling exposure to an image sensor based on the exposure control signal, luminance distribution detection means for detecting a luminance distribution in the screen, and color component level detection means for detecting a level of a predetermined color component, When the backlight is detected based on the output of the luminance distribution detecting means, the exposure control signal is corrected to increase the exposure by the exposure controlling means, and the level of the predetermined color component becomes a predetermined level. Backlight correction means for performing backlight correction with emphasis on the predetermined color by correcting the exposure control signal.

[作用] 上記の構成において、本発明の撮像装置は、被写体の
輝度情報と色度情報を評価しながら露出制御を行い、撮
影状況、即ち、被写体の条件に応じた適正な露出制御を
行なうように働く。
[Operation] In the configuration described above, the imaging apparatus of the present invention performs exposure control while evaluating luminance information and chromaticity information of a subject, and performs appropriate exposure control according to a shooting situation, that is, a condition of the subject. Work on.

[実施例] 以下、本発明の好適な一実施例について、図面を参照
して詳細に説明する。
Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

第1図は一実施例における自動露出制御装置の構成を
示すブロツク図である。前述の第7図と同一構成要素に
ついては同一符号を付し、その説明を省略する。
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an automatic exposure control device according to one embodiment. The same components as those in FIG. 7 described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

第1図において、42は画面の逆光、過順光等の状態を
判別して補正信号を発生するための露出補正信号発生回
路である。露出補正信号発生回路42は、複合同期信号に
したがつて撮像画面を複数領域に分割設定し、各領域の
輝度情報と色度情報にもとづき、撮像画面内の被写体位
置を実質的に追尾して、各位置における輝度情報と色度
情報を的確に検出し、所定の演算を行い、露出を補正す
るための補正信号を発生する。詳細は後述する。
In FIG. 1, reference numeral 42 denotes an exposure correction signal generation circuit for determining a state of a screen, such as backlight or over-directed light, and generating a correction signal. The exposure correction signal generation circuit 42 divides and sets the imaging screen into a plurality of regions according to the composite synchronization signal, and substantially tracks the subject position in the imaging screen based on the luminance information and chromaticity information of each region. , Accurately detect the luminance information and chromaticity information at each position, perform a predetermined calculation, and generate a correction signal for correcting the exposure. Details will be described later.

44は、撮像画面上に固定の測光領域(測光枠)を設定
する固定測光枠信号発生回路26から出力された固定枠信
号、及び露出補正信号発生回路42から出力された補正信
号に従い、バツフアアンプ16の出力レベルにもとづいて
測光を行う測光回路である。また、46は測光回路44と実
質的に同様の構成を有し、バツフアアンプ16の信号から
色差信号R−Y,B−Y,輝度信号Yを分離し、オートゲイ
ンコントロールを行なう色分離AGC回路19からの輝度信
号Yの出力レベルにもとづいて測光を行う測光回路であ
る。29はエンコーダで、その出力として標準テレビジョ
ン信号が得られる。
Reference numeral 44 denotes a buffer amplifier 16 according to the fixed frame signal output from the fixed photometry frame signal generation circuit 26 for setting a fixed photometry area (photometry frame) on the imaging screen and the correction signal output from the exposure correction signal generation circuit 42. Is a photometric circuit that performs photometry based on the output level of Reference numeral 46 denotes a color separation AGC circuit 19 which has substantially the same configuration as the photometry circuit 44, separates the color difference signals RY, BY, and the luminance signal Y from the signal of the buffer amplifier 16 and performs automatic gain control. This is a photometry circuit that performs photometry based on the output level of the luminance signal Y from. Reference numeral 29 denotes an encoder from which a standard television signal is obtained.

次に、第1図に示す自動露出制御装置の動作について
説明する。被写体からの光は撮像光学系10に入射し、絞
り12により光量を制限された後、撮像素子14の撮像面上
に結像する。撮像素子14の出力はバツフアアンプ16を介
して、色分離AGC回路19及び測光回路44に印加される。
色分離AGC回路19の各出力は、エンコーダ29へ供給され
る。一方、色分離AGC回路19の輝度信号出力Yは、測光
回路46及び露出補正信号発生回路42にも印加されてい
る。また、露出補正信号発生回路42へは、色分離AGC回
路19からの色差信号出力R−Y,B−Yも印加される。
Next, the operation of the automatic exposure control device shown in FIG. 1 will be described. Light from the subject enters the imaging optical system 10, and the amount of light is limited by the aperture 12, and then forms an image on the imaging surface of the imaging element 14. The output of the image sensor 14 is applied to a color separation AGC circuit 19 and a photometry circuit 44 via a buffer amplifier 16.
Each output of the color separation AGC circuit 19 is supplied to an encoder 29. On the other hand, the luminance signal output Y of the color separation AGC circuit 19 is also applied to the photometry circuit 46 and the exposure correction signal generation circuit 42. The color difference signal outputs RY and BY from the color separation AGC circuit 19 are also applied to the exposure correction signal generation circuit 42.

測光回路44,46は固定測光枠信号発生回路26からの固
定枠信号及び露出補正信号発生回路42からの補正信号に
もとづいて入力輝度信号レベルを検出し、測光回路44は
絞り駆動回路22を介して絞り12の開口量を制御し、測光
回路46は色分離AGC回路19の利得を制御する。これによ
つて映像信号レベルを一定に保つ。尚、バツフアアンプ
16と色分離AGC回路19との間には、所謂γ処理回路が接
続されることがあるが、一般的に信号レベルは上記のよ
うな絞り制御及びAGC制御ループによつて制御される。
The photometric circuits 44 and 46 detect the input luminance signal level based on the fixed frame signal from the fixed photometric frame signal generating circuit 26 and the correction signal from the exposure correction signal generating circuit 42, and the photometric circuit 44 is connected via the aperture driving circuit 22. The aperture 12 of the aperture 12 is controlled by the camera, and the photometry circuit 46 controls the gain of the color separation AGC circuit 19. This keeps the video signal level constant. In addition, buffer amplifier
A so-called gamma processing circuit may be connected between the AGC circuit 16 and the color separation AGC circuit 19, but the signal level is generally controlled by the aperture control and AGC control loop as described above.

露出補正信号発生回路42の具体的構成の詳細を第2図
に示す。同図において、色分離AGC回路19から出力され
る輝度信号Yはゲートスイツチ50を介して積分回路53に
印加される。A/D変換器56は積分回路53の積分出力をデ
イジタル値に変換し、制御用マイクロコンピユータ59へ
と供給する。制御用マイクロコンピユータ59は、1フイ
ールド(1画面)毎にA/D変換器56の出力を取り込み、
積分回路53をフイールド周期でリセツトする。
FIG. 2 shows the details of the specific configuration of the exposure correction signal generation circuit 42. In the figure, a luminance signal Y output from a color separation AGC circuit 19 is applied to an integration circuit 53 via a gate switch 50. The A / D converter 56 converts the integrated output of the integrating circuit 53 into a digital value and supplies the digital value to the control micro computer 59. The control microcomputer 59 captures the output of the A / D converter 56 for each field (one screen),
The integration circuit 53 is reset at a field cycle.

同様にして、色分離AGC回路19から出力される色差信
号R−Y,B−Yは、それぞれゲートスイツチ51,52を介し
て積分回路54,55に印加される。A/D変換器57,58はそれ
ぞれ積分回路54,55の積分出力をデイジタル値に変換
し、制御用マイクロコンピユータ59へと供給する。制御
用マイクロコンピユータ59は1フイールド毎にA/D変換
器57,58の出力を取り込み、積分回路54,55をフイールド
周期でリセツトする。
Similarly, the color difference signals RY and BY output from the color separation AGC circuit 19 are applied to integration circuits 54 and 55 via gate switches 51 and 52, respectively. The A / D converters 57 and 58 convert the integrated outputs of the integrating circuits 54 and 55 into digital values, and supply the digital values to the control microcomputer 59. The control microcomputer 59 takes in the outputs of the A / D converters 57 and 58 for each field and resets the integration circuits 54 and 55 at the field cycle.

制御用マイクロコンピユータ59の制御動作について詳
細は後述するが、その概略動作について説明する。制御
用マイクロコンピユータ59は画面を複数の領域に分割す
べく、その分割位置を示す信号を画面分割信号発生回路
60に印加する。画面分割信号発生回路60は、この分割位
置信号と、入力端子30より入力される映像信号の複合同
期信号とからゲートスイツチ50,51,52の開閉を制御する
画面分割信号を発生する。
The control operation of the control microcomputer 59 will be described later in detail, but its schematic operation will be described. In order to divide the screen into a plurality of areas, the control microcomputer 59 outputs a signal indicating the division position to a screen division signal generation circuit.
Apply to 60. The screen division signal generating circuit 60 generates a screen division signal for controlling the opening and closing of the gate switches 50, 51, 52 from the division position signal and the composite synchronizing signal of the video signal inputted from the input terminal 30.

これにより、スイツチ50,51,52はそれぞれ輝度信号
Y、色差信号R−Y,色差信号B−Yの中の分割枠内に相
当する部分につていは、閉成されて、それぞれ接点a,b,
cに接続され、分割枠外に相当する部分については解放
され、接点a,b,cとは接続されないので、積分回路53,5
4,55は分割枠内に相当する信号成分のみ積分することが
できる。制御用マイクロコンピユータ59は、その各分割
枠内の積分情報より画面の逆光,過順光状態を判別し、
D/A変換器61へ露出補正データを出力する。
As a result, the switches 50, 51, 52 are closed for the portions corresponding to the divided frames in the luminance signal Y, the chrominance signal RY, and the chrominance signal BY, respectively, and the contacts a, b,
c, the portion corresponding to the outside of the dividing frame is released, and is not connected to the contacts a, b, c, so that the integrating circuits 53, 5
4, 55 can integrate only the signal component corresponding to the inside of the divided frame. The control micro-computer 59 determines whether the screen is backlit or over-sequential from the integration information in each of the divided frames,
The exposure correction data is output to the D / A converter 61.

次に、第3図(a),(b)を用いて画面を複数の領
域に分割する動作について説明する。第3図(a)は、
たとえば画面を10分割してその各分割領域の輝度レベル
(積分値)を評価し、画面の状況を判別する場合を説明
するものである。輝度信号Yは第3図(a)の番号順に
各フイールド毎に分割される。ここで、分割領域Y7,Y8,
Y9,Y10の輝度信号レベルの平均値は、被写体周辺部の輝
度レベルとして用いる。また、画面の中央部近傍の分割
領域Y1,Y2,Y3,Y4,Y5,Y6のうちどれか1つを被写体の輝
度レベルとして用いる。
Next, the operation of dividing the screen into a plurality of areas will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 (a) and 3 (b). FIG. 3 (a)
For example, a case where the screen is divided into 10 and the luminance level (integral value) of each divided area is evaluated to determine the state of the screen will be described. The luminance signal Y is divided for each field in the numerical order of FIG. 3 (a). Here, the divided areas Y7, Y8,
The average value of the luminance signal levels of Y9 and Y10 is used as the luminance level of the peripheral portion of the subject. Further, any one of the divided areas Y1, Y2, Y3, Y4, Y5, Y6 near the center of the screen is used as the luminance level of the subject.

第3図(b)は、たとえば画面を12分割して、その各
分割領域の色度レベルR−Y,B−Y(積分値)を評価
し、画面の状況を判別する場合を説明するものである。
色差信号R−Y,B−Yは、第3図(b)の番号順に各フ
イールド毎に分割される。ここで、色差信号の分割領域
C1〜C12は、第3図(a)の中央部近傍に分割領域Y1〜Y
6と全体の位置は同じであるが、個々の位置は異なり、
大きさも色差信号の分割領域の方が細かくなつている。
これは、中央部近傍の色度情報をより詳しく得るためで
ある。
FIG. 3 (b) illustrates a case where the screen is divided into, for example, 12, and the chromaticity levels RY and BY (integral values) of the respective divided areas are evaluated to determine the state of the screen. It is.
The color difference signals RY and BY are divided for each field in the numerical order of FIG. 3 (b). Here, the divided area of the color difference signal
C1 to C12 are divided areas Y1 to Y near the center of FIG.
The overall position is the same as 6, but the individual positions are different,
The size of the divided region of the color difference signal is also smaller.
This is to obtain more detailed chromaticity information near the center.

次に、本発明の装置における逆光状態の判別方法を説
明する。
Next, a method of determining a backlight state in the apparatus of the present invention will be described.

逆光状態の判別には主要被写体周辺部の輝度レベルY
AVRと、主要被写体の輝度レベルYMINによつて算出され
る両者の差YSUBと、比YEVを用いる。ここで、YMINは分
割枠Y1,Y2,Y3,Y4,Y5,Y6のうちの最小輝度レベルであ
る。
To determine the backlight state, the luminance level Y around the main subject
An AVR , a difference Y SUB between the two calculated based on the luminance level Y MIN of the main subject, and a ratio Y EV are used. Here, Y MIN is the minimum luminance level among the divided frames Y1, Y2, Y3, Y4, Y5, and Y6.

以下に、これらの数値の関係を式で示す。 The relationship between these numerical values will be shown below by equations.

YSUB=YAVR−YMIN (1−1) YEN=YAVR/YMIN (1−2) そして、このYSUBとYEVが一定閾値を越えて大きくな
つた場合に、逆光状態と判断する。
Y SUB = Y AVR −Y MIN (1-1) Y EN = Y AVR / Y MIN (1-2) Then, when Y SUB and Y EV exceed a certain threshold and become large, it is determined that the backlight is in a backlit state. I do.

次に、逆光状態と判断した場合の補正方法を第4図,
第5図を用いて説明する。
Next, a correction method when it is determined that the subject is in a backlight state is shown in FIG.
This will be described with reference to FIG.

逆光状態と判別した場合、色差信号の分割領域の中
で、肌色の部分がある場合とそうでない場合とでは補正
方法は異なる。肌色を判別するには、色差信号分割領域
C1〜C12の中で、R−YとB−Yの値が第4図斜線部に
示すような関係にある場合に、その分割領域は肌色であ
ると判別する。
When it is determined that the subject is in the backlight state, the correction method differs depending on whether there is a skin color portion in the divided region of the color difference signal or not. To determine the skin color, the color difference signal division area
In the case where the values of RY and BY have the relationship shown by the shaded portions in FIG. 4 among C1 to C12, the divided region is determined to be flesh-colored.

第5図(a)は肌色を含まない逆光シーンにおける被
写体と輝度信号分割領域の関係図、第5図(a′)は同
シーンでの被写体と色差信号分割領域の関係図である。
このように、色差信号分割領域に肌色が存在しない逆光
の場合は、YMIN(この場合、分割枠Y5の輝度レベルがY
MINとなる)が、適正露出量となるように露出補正量を
マイクロコンピユータ59が演算し、D/Aコンバータ61か
ら逆光補正信号を入力する。逆行補正信号は、測光回路
44,46に印加され、測光回路44は絞り制御回路22を介し
て絞り12を制御し、測光回路46は色分解AGC回路19を制
御して、入射光量を増大させる。
FIG. 5 (a) is a relationship diagram between a subject and a luminance signal division region in a backlight scene that does not include a skin color, and FIG. 5 (a ') is a relationship diagram between a subject and a color difference signal division region in the same scene.
As described above, in the case of backlight where no skin color exists in the color difference signal division area, Y MIN (in this case, the luminance level of the division frame Y5 is Y
MIN ) is calculated by the micro computer 59 so that the exposure correction amount becomes an appropriate exposure amount, and a backlight correction signal is input from the D / A converter 61. The reverse correction signal is output from the photometric circuit.
The photometric circuit 44 controls the aperture 12 via the aperture control circuit 22, and the photometric circuit 46 controls the color separation AGC circuit 19 to increase the amount of incident light.

第5図(b)は、低輝度の服(例えば、黒い学生服や
コート等)を着た人物の居るシーンにおける被写体と輝
度信号分割領域の関係図、第5図(b′)は同シーンで
の被写体と色差信号分割領域の関係図である。このよう
なシーンでは、被写体の背景が白壁等のような場合は、
あまり強い逆光でなくてもYMIN(この場合、分割枠Y5の
輝度レベルYMINとなる)が、背景に比べかなり小さくな
るため、式(1−1),(1−2)の値が逆光条件に入
つてしまう。
FIG. 5B is a diagram showing a relationship between a subject and a luminance signal division region in a scene where a person wearing low-bright clothes (for example, black school uniform or coat) is present, and FIG. 5B is the same scene. FIG. 5 is a relationship diagram between a subject and a color difference signal division area in FIG. In such a scene, when the background of the subject is a white wall or the like,
Even if the backlight is not so strong, Y MIN (in this case, the luminance level Y MIN of the divided frame Y5) is considerably smaller than the background, so that the values of the expressions (1-1) and (1-2) are the backlight. The condition is entered.

この場合、YMINが適正露出量となるように逆光補正を
行なうと、人物の顔の部分(肌色の部分)は露出オーバ
ーになり、白とびとなつてしまう。これを防ぐため、逆
光と判断された場合、色差信号分割領域に肌色が存在す
る場合、肌色の存在する色差信号分割枠を含む輝度信号
分割枠の値が適正露出となるように、露出補正信号発生
回路42が補正信号を出力する。
In this case, if backlight correction is performed so that Y MIN becomes an appropriate exposure amount, the face portion (skin color portion) of the person is overexposed, resulting in overexposure. In order to prevent this, when the backlight is determined, when the skin color exists in the color difference signal division area, the exposure correction signal is set so that the value of the luminance signal division frame including the color difference signal division frame in which the skin color exists is properly exposed. The generation circuit outputs a correction signal.

ここで、第5図(b′)では、人物の顔(肌色)が分
割枠C1,C2,C3,C4,C5,C6,C8に存在するが、このような場
合は各分割枠の中で最も肌色が多く含まれる色差信号分
割枠(第4図の肌色レベルが最大の分割枠)を含む輝度
信号分割枠が適正露出となるようにする。第5図
(b′)で、肌色レベルが第4図の肌色領域内にある分
割枠はC2とC5である。
Here, in FIG. 5 (b '), the face (skin color) of the person is present in the divided frames C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C8. The luminance signal division frame including the color difference signal division frame containing the largest number of skin colors (the division frame having the maximum skin color level in FIG. 4) is set to have an appropriate exposure. In FIG. 5 (b '), the divided frames whose skin color level is within the skin color area of FIG. 4 are C2 and C5.

ここで、それぞれの分割枠の肌色レベルを第4図内に
示すと、C2の値は点Qとなり、C5の値は点Pとなる。よ
つて、点Pの方が肌色レベルが大きいため、分割枠C5を
含み輝度信号分割枠Y2の値が適正露出となるように露出
補正信号発生回路42が補正信号を出力する。
Here, when the skin color level of each divided frame is shown in FIG. 4, the value of C2 is point Q and the value of C5 is point P. Therefore, since the skin color level is higher at the point P, the exposure correction signal generation circuit 42 outputs a correction signal so that the value of the luminance signal division frame Y2 including the division frame C5 is properly exposed.

第5図(b)のシーンでは、固定測光枠により、分割
枠Y5の近傍を重点測光しているため、露出補正信号発生
回路42からの補正信号が無いような無補正状態でも、顔
の部分が露出オーバーとなつてしまうため、露出補正信
号発生回路42は、逆光補正とは逆に絞り12,色分離AGC回
路19を制御して入射光量を減少するような補正信号を出
力する。
In the scene shown in FIG. 5 (b), the weighted metering is performed in the vicinity of the divided frame Y5 by the fixed metering frame. The exposure correction signal generation circuit 42 controls the aperture 12 and the color separation AGC circuit 19 to output a correction signal for reducing the amount of incident light, contrary to the backlight correction.

ただし、固定測光枠により重点測光を行なわないシス
テムでは、無補正状態では顔の部分が露出不足となつて
しまうため、逆光補正信号を出力し、入射光量を増大さ
せなければいけない。
However, in a system in which weighted metering is not performed using a fixed metering frame, the face portion is underexposed in the uncorrected state, so that a backlight correction signal must be output and the amount of incident light must be increased.

一方、第5図(c)の状態のように分割枠Y7、Y8,Y9,
Y10の輝度レベルが低く、分割枠Y1,Y2,Y3,Y4,Y5,Y6の中
に輝度レベルが一定閾値を越えるような被写体(この場
合は人物の顔の部分)のある場合は、あきらかに過順光
状態と判断される。このような場合も、色差信号分割枠
内に肌色が存在する場合は、肌色の存在する色差信号分
割枠を含む輝度信号分割枠の輝度レベル(この場合Y2の
値)が適正露出となるように、逆光補正とは逆に絞り1
2,色分離AGC回路19を制御して入射光量を減少するよう
な補正信号を出力する。
On the other hand, the divided frames Y7, Y8, Y9,
If the brightness level of Y10 is low and there is a subject (in this case, the face of a person) whose brightness level exceeds a certain threshold in the divided frames Y1, Y2, Y3, Y4, Y5, Y6, It is determined that the light is over-illuminated. Even in such a case, if a skin color exists in the color difference signal division frame, the luminance level (in this case, the value of Y2) of the luminance signal division frame including the color difference signal division frame in which the skin color exists is set to an appropriate exposure. Aperture 1 opposite to backlight compensation
2. It controls the color separation AGC circuit 19 to output a correction signal for reducing the amount of incident light.

また、第5図(d)のように、被写体が移動して撮像
画面内における位置が変化した場合でもYMINは分割枠Y
1,Y2,Y3,Y4,Y5,Y6の最小値としているので(この場合、
分割枠Y6の値がYMINとなる)、これらの分割領域の範囲
内で新たにYMINが被写体輝度となり、実質的に被写体を
追尾して、逆光補正を行なう。また、同様に肌色を含む
輝度信号分割枠も、常に最大の肌色レベルが存在する色
差信号分割枠を含むものとしているため、実質的に被写
体を追尾して適正露出となるように制御することができ
る(この場合、分割枠Y3の値を適正露出にするように働
く)。
Also, as shown in FIG. 5 (d), even when the subject moves and the position in the imaging screen changes, Y MIN remains the divided frame Y
1, Y2, Y3, Y4, Y5, Y6
The value of the divided frame Y6 becomes Y MIN ), and Y MIN newly becomes the subject brightness within the range of these divided regions, and the subject is substantially tracked to perform backlight correction. Similarly, since the luminance signal division frame including the flesh color also includes the color difference signal division frame where the maximum flesh color level always exists, it is possible to substantially follow the subject and control the exposure so as to obtain an appropriate exposure. Yes (in this case, it works to make the value of the division frame Y3 an appropriate exposure).

この追尾動作は、過順光の被写体に対しても、同様に
行なうことができる。例えば、輝度信号分割枠Y1,Y2,Y
3,Y4,Y5,Y6の輝度レベルの最大値YMAXを常に一定閾値と
比較し、もしその時、色差信号分割領域内に、肌色と判
別される分割枠がある場合、その色差信号分割枠を含む
輝度信号分割枠が適正露出となるように制御すればよ
い。
This tracking operation can be similarly performed on an over-directed subject. For example, luminance signal division frames Y1, Y2, Y
3, Y4, Y5, and compares the maximum value Y MAX of the luminance level of Y6 always constant threshold, if at that time, the color difference signal divided region, when there is a split frame is determined to skin color, the color difference signal division frame What is necessary is just to control so that the included luminance signal division frame has an appropriate exposure.

ここで、測光回路44の構成を第6図にブロツク図で示
す。測光回路46の構成も測光回路44と同じであるため、
測光回路44についてのみ説明する。同図において、60は
加算器である。測光回路44,46の構成は基本的に第8図
の構成と類似しており、第8図の構成要素と同一機能を
有する要素については同一符号を付してある。また、露
出補正信号発生回路42からの補正信号電圧をVa、バツフ
アアンプ40からの電圧をViとし、加算器60からの出力信
号をVi′とする。
Here, the configuration of the photometric circuit 44 is shown in a block diagram in FIG. Since the configuration of the photometric circuit 46 is the same as that of the photometric circuit 44,
Only the photometric circuit 44 will be described. In the figure, reference numeral 60 denotes an adder. The configurations of the photometric circuits 44 and 46 are basically similar to the configuration of FIG. 8, and the components having the same functions as the components of FIG. 8 are denoted by the same reference numerals. Further, the correction signal voltage from the exposure correction signal generation circuit 42 is Va, the voltage from the buffer amplifier 40 is Vi, and the output signal from the adder 60 is Vi '.

露出補正信号発生回路42が逆光補正信号Va(Va<Vi)
を出力すると、加算器60はバツフアアンプ40の出力(測
光信号)に補正信号Vaの電圧を加算する。加算後のVi′
はVi′<Viとなる。露出制御はその低下分Vi−Vi′を補
うように働くので映像信号レベルが増加し、逆光補正が
行われ、被写体の黒つぶれが補正される。
The exposure correction signal generation circuit 42 generates a backlight correction signal Va (Va <Vi).
Is output, the adder 60 adds the voltage of the correction signal Va to the output (photometric signal) of the buffer amplifier 40. Vi ′ after addition
Becomes Vi ′ <Vi. Since the exposure control works to compensate for the decrease Vi-Vi ', the video signal level increases, backlight correction is performed, and blackout of the subject is corrected.

また、露出補正信号発生回路42が過順光補正信号Va′
(Va′>Vi)を出力すると、加算器60はバツフアアンプ
40の出力(測光信号)に補正信号Va′の電圧を加算す
る。加算後のVi′はVi′>Viとなる。露出制御はその増
加分Vi′−Viを補うように働くので映像信号レベルが低
下し、過順光補正が行われる。
Further, the exposure correction signal generation circuit 42 outputs the over-order light correction signal Va ′.
(Va ′> Vi), the adder 60 becomes a buffer amplifier.
The voltage of the correction signal Va 'is added to the output of 40 (photometric signal). Vi 'after the addition is Vi'> Vi. Since the exposure control works to compensate for the increase Vi'-Vi, the video signal level is reduced, and over-direct light correction is performed.

以上説明したように、本実施例においては、被写体を
複数の輝度信号検出領域と色差信号検出領域に分割し、
それぞれの領域から得られる輝度成分と色度成分のレベ
ルを検出して評価し、被写体位置の変化に追従しながら
画面の逆光状態、又は過順光状態を判別し、露出を最適
補正しているので重点測光方式であつても誤判別を生じ
ることがなく、また、肌色を検出しているため、特に人
物の撮影において適正な露出での撮影が可能になる。
As described above, in the present embodiment, the subject is divided into a plurality of luminance signal detection areas and color difference signal detection areas,
Detects and evaluates the level of the luminance component and chromaticity component obtained from each area, determines the backlight state or over-directed state of the screen while following changes in the subject position, and optimally corrects the exposure. Therefore, erroneous discrimination does not occur even in the weighted metering method, and since the flesh color is detected, it is possible to take a picture with an appropriate exposure, particularly in photographing a person.

なお、本発明は、その主旨を逸脱しない範囲で上記実
施例を修正もしくは、変形したものに適用可能である。
The present invention can be applied to a modification or a modification of the above embodiment without departing from the gist of the invention.

例えば、第6図の構成では電圧加算による制御を行つ
ているが、電流加算などの方法でも良いことは言うまで
もない。
For example, in the configuration of FIG. 6, control by voltage addition is performed, but it goes without saying that a method such as current addition may be used.

また、本実施例では、色差信号検出領域で肌色を検出
し制御していたが、人物に重みを置かない場合は特に肌
色でなくても良く、例えば、緑色を検出し制御すること
により、植物の緑が適正露出となるようなシステムにす
ることもできる。
Further, in the present embodiment, the flesh color is detected and controlled in the color difference signal detection area. However, when a person is not weighted, the flesh color may not be particularly used. The system can be designed so that the green color is properly exposed.

[発明の効果] 以上述べたように、本発明の撮像装置においては、被
写体の輝度情報と色度情報を評価しながら露出制御を行
い、撮影状況、即ち、被写体の条件に応じた適正な露出
制御を行なうことができるという効果がある。
[Effects of the Invention] As described above, in the imaging apparatus of the present invention, exposure control is performed while evaluating luminance information and chromaticity information of a subject, and an appropriate exposure according to a shooting situation, that is, a condition of the subject. There is an effect that control can be performed.

【図面の簡単な説明】[Brief description of the drawings]

第1図は本発明の自動露出制御装置の一実施例を示すブ
ロツク図、 第2図は第1図における露出補正回路の構成を示すブロ
ツク図、 第3図は輝度信号分割領域と色差信号分割領域を説明す
るための図、 第4図は肌色領域を示すためのベクトル図、 第5図は被写体と輝度信号分割領域との関係、被写体と
色差信号分割領域との関係を説明するための図、 第6図は測光回路の構成を示すブロツク図、 第7図は一般的な自動露出制御装置の一例を示すブロツ
ク図、 第8図は第7図中の測光回路の構成を示すブロツク図、 第9図は被写体と固定測光枠との関係を説明するための
図である。 図中、10……撮像光学系、12……絞り、14……撮像素
子、16……バツフアアンプ、18……AGC回路、19……色
分離AGC回路、20……測光回路、21……映像信号出力端
子、22……絞り駆動回路、24……測光回路、26……固定
測光枠信号発生回路、28……映像信号出力端子、29……
エンコーダ、30……複合同期信号入力端子、31……アナ
ログスイツチ、32……ローパスフイルタ、34……ローパ
スフイルタ、36……抵抗、38……抵抗、40……バツフア
アンプ、42……露出補正信号発生回路、44……測光回
路、46……測光回路、50……スイツチ、51……スイッ
チ、52……スイツチ、53……積分器、54……積分器、55
……積分器、56……A/Dコンバータ、57……A/Dコンバー
タ、58……A/Dコンバータ、59……制御用マイクロコン
ピユータ、60……画面分割信号発生回路、61……D/Aコ
ンバータである。
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of an automatic exposure control apparatus according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an exposure correction circuit in FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a luminance signal division area and a chrominance signal division. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a skin color region, FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between a subject and a luminance signal division region, and a diagram illustrating a relationship between a subject and a color difference signal division region. 6, FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a photometric circuit, FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of a general automatic exposure control device, FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a photometric circuit in FIG. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the subject and the fixed photometric frame. In the figure, 10: imaging optical system, 12: aperture, 14: imaging element, 16: buffer amplifier, 18: AGC circuit, 19: color separation AGC circuit, 20: photometric circuit, 21: video Signal output terminal, 22 ... Aperture drive circuit, 24 ... Photometry circuit, 26 ... Fixed photometry frame signal generation circuit, 28 ... Video signal output terminal, 29 ...
Encoder, 30: Composite sync signal input terminal, 31: Analog switch, 32: Low-pass filter, 34: Low-pass filter, 36: Resistance, 38: Resistance, 40: Buffer amplifier, 42: Exposure compensation signal Generating circuit, 44 Photometric circuit, 46 Photometric circuit, 50 Switch, 51 Switch, 52 Switch, 53 Integrator, 54 Integrator, 55
…… Integrator, 56 …… A / D converter, 57 …… A / D converter, 58 …… A / D converter, 59 …… Microcomputer for control, 60 …… Screen split signal generation circuit, 61… D / A converter.

Claims (1)

(57)【特許請求の範囲】(57) [Claims] 【請求項1】画面内の所定の位置に設定された測光領域
の信号を用いて露出制御信号を形成する測光手段と、 前記露出制御信号に基づき撮像素子に対する露出を自動
制御する露出制御手段と、 前記画面内における輝度分布を検出する輝度分布検出手
段と、 所定の色成分のレベルを検出する色成分レベル検出手段
と、 前記輝度分布検出手段の出力に基づいて逆光を検出した
場合に前記露出制御信号を補正することによって前記露
出制御手段による露出を増大させると共に、前記所定の
色成分のレベルが所定のレベルになるように前記露出制
御信号を補正することによって前記所定の色を重視した
逆光補正を行なう逆光補正手段と、 を具備することを特徴とする撮像装置。
An exposure control means for forming an exposure control signal using a signal of a photometry area set at a predetermined position in a screen; and an exposure control means for automatically controlling exposure to an image sensor based on the exposure control signal. A luminance distribution detecting means for detecting a luminance distribution in the screen; a color component level detecting means for detecting a level of a predetermined color component; and the exposure when a backlight is detected based on an output of the luminance distribution detecting means. A backlight which emphasizes the predetermined color by correcting the control signal to increase the exposure by the exposure control means and corrects the exposure control signal so that the level of the predetermined color component becomes a predetermined level. An imaging apparatus, comprising: backlight correction means for performing correction.
JP2291816A 1990-10-31 1990-10-31 Imaging device Expired - Fee Related JP2766067B2 (en)

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JP2291816A JP2766067B2 (en) 1990-10-31 1990-10-31 Imaging device
US07/927,739 US5353058A (en) 1990-10-31 1992-08-12 Automatic exposure control apparatus

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JP2766067B2 true JP2766067B2 (en) 1998-06-18

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